The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1887-06-10
The Egis & Intelligencer
bel Air, Nd, juno 10, 1887.
RENINIsCENCES OF 70 YEARS AGOIN
THE SECOND DISTRICT.
History of HopeweIi Centenary Meth0.
dist Protestant Church.
For The .Egis.

Many persons in the vicinity of what is now
Level had often felt the great Inconvenience OF
being so far from place of worship, up to 1866.
nelghborhood seemed to meet with general IA
vor. Someof the church people attended ser
vice at Harmony Presbyterian Church, SOME
went to Rock Run Methodist Episcopal, some to
Wesleyan Chapel, and still others to Smiths
tend any OF these churches one would, unless
fond of long walk, have to drive. So ii is the
old adage over again, that Necessity Is the
ton.
The spot was selected, purchased and the
cornerstone laid in 1865. In tho cornerstone
were placed the NJ. p. Hymn Book, handsome
Bible, several pieces Of silver money, and docu-
ment upon which was inscribed the names of the
incorporators. Tho church, pretty tgo-Story
frame building was completed and dedicated in
1868 The lower story is reserved as a lecture.
school and prayer-meeting hall, while the church
proper is above.
The Rev. Thomas Lee, pastor of susquohanna
ton with Wesleyan Chapel and Lapiium, (which
think asbuilt ater.) The minister named has
gone to his reward. In March, 1858, Rev. C., T.
Cochel took charge and remained until 1871. He
too, has gone to the better home. He was fol-
lowed by Rev. Jesse shrevc. who remained until
1874. The spiritual growth of The church became
greater and greater, Mr.. Shreve arousng the
neghborhood TO more earnest and diligent
the present very worthy minister now at Bel Air,
the Rev. $. a. HoblitZel, who remained until
1871, when the Rev; J. T. Lassell took charge and
remained until 1870. lie was succeeded by Rev.
G. NJ. Thompson. who remained until 1888. In
1888 Rev. H. T.. Cushing took charge and remain
cd one year. He was followed by Rev. w. ID. Lit
singer. who remained until this spring, when the
present pastor, Rev. j. w. Charlton, took charge.
The above includes every resident pastor since
the most of them remained the full term allowed
of three years.
were Messrs George w. X emily, John Andrew,J |
Il. Walker and J. W. Hoopman. The incorpora-
tors were Messrs. Geo. w. Kenly, II. j. Walker, !
Il. Cooley, James Stephenson and a. W. Walker |
The parsonage OF Susguehanna Circuit Is stu |
ated near this church. It isa comfortable build
purchased in 1865 from DR.. Keech who for years
practiced medicine in this vicinity.
The circuit at present has three churches, pre-
sided over by one pastor. They situated at
Level, Lapidum and Wesleyan Chapel. The ter
rItory embraced would cover from four TO six
Many able ministers have preached on this cir
cult, and recall one Of the ablest sermons ever
Baltimore, from the text, They that go forth |
weeping and sowing precious seed shall doubtless |
come again with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves
Caroline Talbot of Ohio, pious friend, drew
large congregations on several occasions. Her
the following lines watch she rected from The |
pulpit:
And some go there to take walk
Some go there to sleep and nod,
But few go there to worship God"
Allow me to say in conclusion that the time |
has come for all Methodist churches to become |
reunited. The divisions that were precipitated |
partly On uCCDuul VI lut war snOulu come TO- |
gcther in general body and set the world a |
practical example that the mission of the church |
is single, namely, to preach the Gospel of Christ, |
the Gospel of peace on earth, good will to men,
1 have talked with learned theologians on this |
subject and they agree that the idea is an excel
lent one, though doubling. somewhat the feast
bility OF Its being accomplished
1t Is good sign, think. that the barriers Of !
UNCONVENTIONAL bigotry are giving way: that |
where ill-feoling existed love has come to dwell. |
May the time soon come when all Christians |
shall be Christians indeed. members OF that
sacred body of Christ, with one fold and one
shepherd. OsCEoLA.